The jury is still out as far as I am concerned regarding that much discussed, or shall I say hated, HST.

From what I have been able to garner from UBC and Simon Fraser economists, the HST is the only way to go economically, if we are to compete with other provinces like Ontario.

And we do need to be competitive. Our local truck loggers should save, as they will now be able to claim back all of the PST they pay on parts, tires, and fuel, and many other small businesses will benefit.

I must say that I agreed with many when they said they were blindsided by the decision. Now I understand the window of opportunity with the federal government offer had a deadline. What would have been wrong with signing the protocol agreement and then discussing it with the public and having it in the budget for that debate?

I have to say, and I said it during my four years as an MLA, the B.C. Liberal “PR” group isn’t good. In most cases, it is much easier to explain what you are attempting beforehand than it is to put out the fire after it has started.

The NDP must love it. By their comments, they are making hay with the subject even if they do not hold much credibility. It is fine to accuse the government of all sorts of foul play if you have an alternative or would change it. When they were asked on camera if they would reverse the decision if elected, the answer was an emphatic no.

One of the comments I have heard from the restaurant businesses was that they may not agree with how it was done, but it will have far less impact on them than the $2-per- hour increase in the minimum wage the NDP proposes.

I must say that if the extra $1 added to a $15 meal makes that much difference, then maybe those individuals should not be eating in a restaurant in the first place.

The website for those who wish to learn more is www.gov.bc.ca/hst.

I will reserve the final decision until all of the information is in but hope the government propaganda team learn to do a better job if they wish to keep it.